Method of producing socketed articles



METHOD OF PRODUCING SOCKETED ARTICLES Filed Sept. 1, 1938 IINVENTOR fl/c/M/w Z5575? h/ac'ox 2% g ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 22, 1941 Richard Lester Wilcox, Waterbury, Conn, as-

signor to The Waterbury Farrel Foundry and Machine Company, Waterbury, Conn, a corporation of Connecticut Application September 1, 1938, Serial No. 227,892

Claims.

metal having nickel, chrome or other ,like alloys forming part thereof, now demanded for screws,

bolts and the like. In such method the socket is usually formed by a punch, the tip of which is the same height or length as the depth of the socket and the same cross sectional area. This tip is forced into the head of the blank its full height and in displacing the metal therein causes the same to flow outwardly and upwardly. This upward moving'metal ofthe head of the blank engages the working face of the punch adjacent to the tip, whereby pressure is applied thereto. Thus, the socketing tip and punch apply pressures that cause flow of the metal in opposite directions. In brief. different portions of the punch apply pressures that cause a metal flow .of the head in opposite directions. The result is, that the tip. being the smaller portion of the tool, cannot withstand the counteracting presstands idle until a new punch is made. In either case the time necessary to make these changes is substantial and costly, because the machine is out of production.

The method herein described differs in several respects from that heretofore known, in that the socket is made by flrstforming an oversize socket substantially the same depth as the finished socket and without pressure on the end of the blank. the'metal of which flows axially without restraint, then project into this oversize socket a tool which in cross section is the same as the oversize socket to the finished socket of less cross sectional area, shapes the head of the blank and completes the blank.

There are other difierences between the method herein shown and that of the prior art, which will become apparent from the following descri tion and the accompanying drawing, disclosing for purposes of illustration 8. limited number of the several embodiments-of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a finished bolt or screw blank with one form of socket therein;

Figure 2 is a similar view with a portion of the shank broken off and having anotherform of socket therein;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of a die and punch, with a blank therein after it has been coned or bulbed thereby;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the die shown in Figures 3 and 5; r l

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of the die shown in Figure 3, a punch associated therewith and a and a socket forming punch with a blank posi-' tioned therebetween and illustrating the operation succeeding the one shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of the die shown in Figure 6, the punch and socket shaping matrix that cooperates therewith, the head of the blank shown therein being in its completed and finished form;

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view of the punch and associated parts, taken generally upon line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figures 9' and 10 are views of the head of a blank with the oversize socket therein, as fashioned by the operation of the tools shown in Figure 6;

Figure 11 is an end view of the punch for forming the oversize socket and as illustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 12 is an end view of the matrix as shown in Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a view of the blank before being subjected to any operations by the means and method herein described; and

Figure 14 is a plan view of the head of a blank, illustrating a preferable form thereof, if the socket to be formed therein requires an unequal distribution of the metal.

In the practice of this invention the means therefor are associated with a header or upsetting machine. preferably of the plural blow type. As illustrated, two dies are utilized,'severally through of substantially the same cross section as the blank and the usual knockout pin l2 ,or the like movable therein. r

In theworking face of the die i is a counter sunk' recess l2 and a similar recess [4 in the die ll. These recesses both have angular walls, substantially as shown, and the recess [4 is generally annular and the recess 43 may or may not be, as required, or as seems desirable.

For some operations, the included angle of the walls of the recess i3 may be less than those of the recess I to facilitate the metal flow and fashioning the finished head. This relative angular inclination of the recess walls may be reversed from that above stated, that is, the included angle of the walls in the recess ll, being less than those in the recess IS.

A blank it, usually cut from a wire length, is presented to the die ID in any convenient and well known manner, the inner end being against the knockout pin I 2. When s0 positioned, the projecting end is engaged by the punch It, and

- the outer end thereof coned or bulbed as at H.

designated II and II, having an aperture there- This operation is the conventional first step in an upsetting operation.

While still in the die II), the coned portion I1 is subsequently engaged by the punch l8 and upset to the form substantially as shown in. Figure 5, wherein the outer edge is rounded and the recess is not completely filled out particularly at its open end.

From the die III the blank is transferred in any convenient manner to the die Ii and there subjected to pressure of the socket forming punch ll, which is mounted in the punch holder 20. This punch I! has a. strong, rugged body portion, with a head Ill, within the bore of holder 20 in contact with pressure member 3| and provided with a tip 2| that in cross section approximates the shape of the finished socket but of larger cross sectional area. As this tip is projected into the blank it produces an oversize socket. The lower end. of this tip, as shown, is rounded, although it may be of different shape if desired, and is projected into the blank so that the outer end of the tip is spaced the same distance away from the neck of the head, that is, the point where the head and shank join, as in the finished socket. The tip is of greater height than the depth of the socket and does not project its full length into the blank, hence the face of the punch holder 2| is distant from the blank and the face of the die It, thus providing ample space for free and uninterrupted metal flow.

The article is completed by the mechanism "substantially as shown in Figure 7, wherein 22 indicates the punch having a central chamber 23 with a collar 24 therein, between which and the pressure plate 25 is a coil spring 26. v

, Movably mounted in the punch 22 is a matrix 21, the outer end of which is preferably, although not necessarily rounded, and having across sec- Ttion the same size and shape as that of the socket. v In the outer end of the punch 22 are two guide sections 28, the inner faces of which are in engagement with eachother and are recessed without restriction or counter-pressure.

After the blank has been fabricated by the mechanism shown in Figure 6, the punch 22 approaches the blank, when in the form as shown in Figure '6, and the matrix enters the oversize socket and continues its. movement until the rounded end thereof engages the bottom of the socket. The punch 22, however, continues its,

'With it the matrix 21 and the finished blank is ished socket. After such a. tip has been projected into the blank the working face of the punch adjacent to the tip applies pressure to the head of the blank. Thus, a pressure is applied through the tip, which causes the metal to flow outwardly, and a pressure by the punch face on the end of the blank, causes the metal toflow inwardly, two diametrically opposite flows of the metal. This results in an imperfect product and is the cause of frequent breakage of the punch, particularly the tip on the juncture line of the tip and the body of the punch. In the means herein shown the socket is first made larger than the finished socket, and no pressure is applied to the head of the blank. By such a method a much more rugged socketing punch is used and the metal is free to flow under the pressure thereof Again, the junction point between the tip and the punch body may be rounded as at 29, adding materially to the strength of the tool. Thereafter, this socket is completed by an inward flow of the metal to reduce the oversize socket to its smaller and finished size, at which time there is no socket punch, the matrix merely limiting the inward fiow of the metal and pressure is only applied to the outside of the head.

so asto form an opening therebetween the same state and shape as the cross section of the matrix 21, substantially as shown in Figure.8. These guide sections 2! form a split guide for the matrix which moves freely therein.

By the method herein shown and described a blank is produced with a perfect socket to the required shape and depth, as well as a'flnished head that does not require trimming or the like. The blanks are made at high speed with no breakage of tools.

In Figures 1 and 2 are illustrated two of the many shaped sockets commonly used. Other shapes may be produced equally as well by the method herein disclosed. In the producing of various shaped sockets the flow of metal is equal in some and in others unequal. To illustrate,-

the flow of metal in the shape of socket shown in Figure 1 is unequal, and equal in the shape shown in Figure 2. If unequal, it is desirable to so shape the recess II in the die Iii as to facilitate the subsequent flow of metal in fashioning the blank. This is 'done for unequal flow by forming the recess other than round in shape,

one shape being generally elliptical, substantially as shown in Figure 14, the minor axis of which is coincident with thelength' of the socket. Pro-.

jecting the socket forming tip 2| into the blank, causes a greater flow of metal in the direction of the length of the socket than at right angles thereto. Other shapes of recesses may be provided to facilitate forming varying shapes of sockets the disclosures herein being merely for illustration and not limitation. In Figure 14 is illustrated the head of a blan substantially as formed with the tools as shown in Figure 5, and as presented to the tools as shown in Figure 6.

. There areminor changes and alterations that may be made within my invention, and I would therefore have it understood that I do not limit myself to the exact method herein disclosed, but claim all that falls fairly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. The method of making a socketed head blank, which consists in upsetting the portion of the blank to be socketed, the shape of whichin cross section is different than that of the upset portion of the finished blank, punching an oversize socket therein, and by which the said cross sectional shape is changed, and then giving said upset portion its finished shape and reducing the size of the socket.

2. The method of making a socketed head blankfor screws or the like which consists in upsetting a metal piece to form a head, then punching a socket in the head to its full depth with a tool longer than the depth ofthe socket, and then projecting a matrix into the socket and applying pressure to the end of the head by a movable part outside of the matrix while the latter is stationary and causing the metal to flow inwardly around the matrix without deepening the socket and giving the head its finished shape.

3. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like which consists in upsetting a metal piece to form a head, then punching a socket in the head to its full depth and of larger cross sectional area than the tinished socket, with a tool longer than the depth of the socket, and then projecting a matrix into the socket and applying pressure to the end of the head by a movable part outside of the matrix while the latter is stationary and causing the metal to flow inwardly around the matrix without deepening the socket and giving the head its finished shape.

4. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, which consists in upsetting a metal piece to form a head, then punching a socket in the head of larger cross sectional area than the finished socket, then and then by pressure upon the end of the head by a movable part outside of the socketed area causing the metal to flow inwardly around the then stationary matrix and thereby reduce the size of the socket and shape the exterior of the upset portion without changing the position of the bottom of the socket relative to the point of Juncture of the head and shank of the blank.

6. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, wherein the flow of the metal in shaping the socket is unequal, which consists in upsetting the blank to form a head with a substantially elliptical shape in cross section, punching an oversize socket therein, at the sametime causing the metal to flow and change the shape of the head to substantially round in cross section and then applying pressure to the .head and fashioning the exterior shape thereof,

the said socket being punched in the blank with the length thereof substantiallycoincident with the minor axis of the said elliptical portion.

'1. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, wherein the flow of the metal in shaping the socket is unequal, which consists in upsetting the blank to form a head with a cross sectional shape other than round, punching an oversize socket therein, at the same time causing the metal to flow so as to change the shape of the head to substantially round in cross section and then by pressure upon the end of the head outside of the socketed area causing the metal to flow inwardly, reducing the cross sectional size of the socket and at the same time shaping the exterior of the upset portion without changing the relative position of the bottom of the socket. Y

8. The method of making a socketedhead blank for screws or the like, wherein the flow of the metal in shaping the socket is unequal, which consists in upsetting the blank to form a head with a cross sectional shape other than round, punching an oversize socket therein, at the same timecausing the metal to flowso as to change the shape of the head to substantially roimd in cross section and then applying pressure to the head and fashioning the exterior shape there.- of, the said socket being punched in the blank with the length thereof substantially coincident with the short dimension oi. the head.

shaping the head to its finished size and reducing the cross sectional area of the socket without varying the position of the bottom of the socket relative to the point'of juncture of the head and shank, with a tool longer than the depth of the socket, and then projecting a matrix into the socket and applying pressure to the end of the head by a movable part outside of the matrix while the latter is stationary and causing the metal to flow inwardly around the matrix without deepening the socket and giving the head its finished shape.

5. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, which consists in upsetting a metal piece to form a head, then punching therein a socket of larger cross sectional area than the finished socket without limiting the outward axial flow of the metal therearound, then projecting a matrix into the socket,

9. The step in a method of making a socketed blank, which consists in punching an oversize socket therein, then projecting a matrix into the socket of smaller cross sectional area than the socket so produced, and then by a tool, movable independently of the matrix, applying pressure to the end of the blank outside of the mat rix while the latter is stationary, and thereby causing the metal to flow inwardly around the walls of the matrix without changing the relative position of the bottom of the socket.

10. The step in a methc of making a socketed blank, which consists in punching an oversize socket therein by a tip on a tool that is of greater length than thedepth of the socket then projecting a matrix into the'socket of smaller cross sectional area than the socket so prduced and then by a tool, movable independently of the matrix. applying pressure to the end. of the'blank outside of the matrix while the latter is stationary, and

thereby causing the metal to flow inwardly around the walls of the matrix without chanting the relative position of the bottom of the socket.

11; The step in a method of making a socketed blank, which consists in punching an oversize socket therein by a tip on a tool'thatiis of greater length than the depth of the socket, having a rounded outer end, that first enters the blank, then promoting a matrix into the socket of smaller cross sectional area than the socket so produced, and then by a tool, movable inde-'- pendentlyof the matrix, applying pressure to the end of the blank outside or the matrix while the socket so produced which matrix rests upon the bottom of the socket without applying pressure thereto, then by a punch movable independently of the matrix applying pressure to the end of the blank outside of the matrix while the matrix is stationary, and thereby causing the metal to flow inwardly around the walls of the matrix without disturbing the position of the bottom of the socket.

13. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, wherein the flow of aasaeeo the metal in shaping the socket-is unequal, which consists in upsetting the blank toform a head with a cross sectional shape other than round, punching a socket therein, the longitudinal axis of the socket being substantially coincident with l the minor axis or the head, the flow or metal caused thereby changing the cross sectional shape of the head and then applying pressure to the end of the head outside of the socket area and thereby fashioning the exterior shape of the head. V

14. The method of making a socketed head blank for screws or the like, wherein the flow of the metal in shaping the socket is unequal, which consists in upsetting the blank to form a head with a substantially elliptical shape in cross section, punching a socket therein, the longitudinal axis of the socket being substantially coincident with the minor axis of the head, the flow of the metal caused thereby changing the cross sectional shape of the head and then applying pressure to the end of the head outside of the socket area and thereby fashioning the exterior shape of the head.

RICHARD LESTER WILCOX. 

